C/AV and Smart Mobility — Stream 1

Who is eligible?

This grant is designed to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and their eligible partners in the development and commercialization of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies and smart mobility solutions.

• SMEs with fewer than 500 global, full-time employees based in Ontario.
• Partnerships can be formed with National and Multinational Enterprises (NEs and MNEs), academic institutions, municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, Crown Corporations, and transit authorities.

Who is not eligible

There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.

• Companies with more than 500 global, full-time employees

Eligible expenses

The grant supports projects focused on the technological advancement and commercialization of connected and autonomous vehicles (C/AV) and smart mobility solutions. Eligible activities involve stages of development that enhance market readiness and collaborative innovation.

• Technology proof-of-concept development for connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
• Demonstration of C/AV solutions to potential customers.
• Validation and testing of smart mobility products and services.
• Piloting innovative intelligent transportation systems and transit-supportive systems.
• Collaborative projects with researchers and private sector partners to extend R&D capabilities.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant focuses on companies with operations based in Ontario. This requirement ensures that the development and commercialization of technologies occur within the province.

• Ontario, Canada

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives for innovation in Ontario's connected and autonomous vehicle and smart mobility sectors.

• Potential for scalable outcomes and commercialization in Ontario's market.
• Demonstrated collaboration among applicants and partners with diverse expertise and resources.
• Alignment of projects with the program's priority areas such as mass light vehicles, heavy duty vehicles, transportation infrastructure, and intelligent transportation systems.
• Contributions to societal benefits including increased road safety, improved road condition monitoring, and reduced environmental impact.
• Readiness level of the technology, ranging from proof-of-concept to product validation, at Technology Readiness Level 3-9.

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

• Step 1: Complete Client Intake Form
  • Visit the OVIN Resource Document Page to access the intake form.
  • Fill out the necessary details in the client intake form to express interest.
  • Submit the completed form to initiate the process.
• Step 2: Consultation with OCI Business Development Manager
  • After submitting the intake form, an OCI Business Development Manager will contact you.
  • Discuss the opportunity and project's alignment with the program objectives.
  • Receive guidance on preparing the full proposal.
• Step 3: Prepare Full Proposal
  • Refer to the Program Guidelines, OCI Funding Agreement, and Eligible Expenditures Guide for necessary information.
  • Use the Full Proposal Questionnaire to structure your proposal.
  • Include necessary documentation such as the Letter of Support and Data and Information Sharing Protocol (DISP) documents.
• Step 4: Submit Full Proposal
  • Submit the full proposal as instructed by the OCI Business Development Manager.
  • Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate.
  • Meet any specified deadlines for submission.
• Step 5: Receive Confirmation
  • Receive an acknowledgment of receipt for your proposal.
  • Keep the confirmation for your records and future reference.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Projects must be at Technology Readiness Level 3-9, focusing on more advanced stages like prototype development rather than initial research.
• The fund supports projects with up to $100,000, requiring a minimum 2:1 contribution from private sector partners or applicants.
• The program aims to commercialize and demonstrate Ontario-made technologies specifically, highlighting local technological advancements.
• Partnerships are encouraged and should present significant commercial opportunities.
• The program promotes public/private partnerships and collaboration at the intersection of research and commercial application.
• Applicants need to maintain close collaboration with partners and demonstrate scalable outcomes with potential for commercialization and a competitive advantage.